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In the early 1960s, Ed Cobb of the pop group The Four Preps wrote “Tainted Love,” a song about, what else, love gone bad.

In 1965, a high-energy version of the song was recorded by soul singer Gloria Jones as the B-side of her latest single. Both sides bombed. Ms. Jones recorded “Tainted Love” again in 1974, and it bombed again.

Then in 1981, the English duo Soft Cell released a slower, synth-pop version of “Tainted Love.” For reasons every musician salivates to understand, it hit a sweet spot with the public. Even today, turn on an 80s Alternative music station, and you’ll hear “Tainted Love” within the hour.

Soft Cell has remained active over the years, apparently making a living on tour. But nothing they wrote attained the success of “Tainted Love.” Which they greatly improved upon, but didn’t write.

Vocalist Mark Almond (left) and instrumentalist David Ball.

Tainted Love

By Soft Cell, 1981
Written by Ed Cobb

Sometimes, I feel I’ve got to
Run away. I’ve got to
Get away
From the pain you drive into the heart of me.

The love we share
Seems to go nowhere,
And I’ve lost my light,
For I toss and turn, I can’t sleep at night.

Once, I ran to you (I ran).
Now I’ll run from you.
This tainted love you’ve given,
I give you all a boy could give you.
Take my tears, and that’s not nearly all.

Tainted love (oh).
Tainted love (oh).

Now I know I’ve got to
Run away. I’ve got to
Get away.
You don’t really want any more from me.

To make things right,
You need someone to hold you tight.
And you think love is to pray.
But I’m sorry, I don’t pray that way.

Once, I ran to you (I ran).
Now I’ll run from you.
This tainted love you’ve given.
I give you all a boy could give you.
Take my tears, and that’s not nearly all.

Tainted love (oh).
Tainted love (oh).

Don’t touch me, please.
I cannot stand the way you tease.
I love you, though you hurt me so.
Now I’m gonna pack my things and go.

Tainted love (oh).
Tainted love (oh).
Tainted love (oh).
Tainted love (oh).

Touch me, baby, tainted love.
Touch me, baby, tainted love.
Tainted love (oh).
Tainted love (oh).